We are the co-authors of Civic Work, Civic Lessons: Two Generations Reflect on Public Service. Tom Ehrlich’s public service has been primarily in the federal government, while Ernestine Fu’s has been in non-profit organizations. Tom worked in the administrations of five presidents starting with President Kennedy and including responsibility for foreign-aid policy, reporting directly to President Carter. He was also president of Indiana University, provost of Penn, and dean of Stanford Law School. Ernestine founded a nonprofit organization in her teens and funded youth-led service projects through State Farm Insurance. She now advises a new service center in the Presidio and publishes research on climate change. She is also an active technology venture investor at Alsop Louie Partners. If our democracy is to flourish, we think youth must become more engaged in civic work, using the tools of digital media and other new technologies.

High School Students Making A Difference In The Lives Of Others

As we reflect on the ways Americans of all ages across the country helped each other in the aftermath of 9/11, it seemed fitting for us to ask high-school students in North Hollywood, California, where Ernestine Fu went to school, to tell us about an experience in which they helped others in their community. We received almost 100 thoughtful responses. Read together, they make clear that these teenagers are committed to community service and are gaining a deep sense of satisfaction in that service.

Here are ten ways youth are making a difference today.

1) Sana Ahmed

Sana Ahmed described a cigarette pick-up at North Hollywood Park. The event was organized by her school’s American Cancer Society (ACS), which works to alert people to the dangers of smoking. The cigarette butts were saved in a large container and used as a symbol in teaching others about the hazards of smoking among other cancer causing activities.

“Just on our short walk to the park, we were able to collect about three hundred butts, which were located around the sidewalk. By a nearby freeway entrance, we were able to find a shocking amount of cigarette butts… After about two hours, we had collected about 2,300 butts in all. Everyone, including the people in the park, had big smiles on their faces because of the pride of what we had just accomplished.”

2) Woojin Cheon

Woojin Cheon volunteers with The Salvation Army and its child-care center. He helps elementary and middle school students from low-income families with their schoolwork. Tutoring at the center has also inspired Woojin to help raise money for students in financial need so they can buy needed supplies and books.

“Teaching, for me, has been a way for me to give back to a community… When I was able to help an elementary student understand a mathematical concept, the student developed a deeper interested in the subject, which was greatly rewarding… I was happy simply because I was able to help someone.”

3) Isabella Fortier

Isabella Fortier volunteered for Wendy Greuel’s campaign to be the mayor of Los Angeles in 2013. Although Isabella was not yet old enough to vote, she spent her time making calls and encouraging those in her community to vote for Greuel. Greuel would have been Los Angeles’ first female mayor, but she lost to Eric Garcetti.

“For nine months, I dedicated every spare hour of my time to phone banking, canvassing, and campaigning for mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel. While this took hours of office work as well as hours of walking in the hot sun, the experience was one of the most rewarding of my life.”

4) Sean Garcia

Sean Garcia belongs to an organization called IXIM, a center for the integration of indigenous Mayas. IXIM was started to create a community of Maya refugees. Mayan customs were repressed in Guatemala during the Spanish Conquest. Many Guatemalans fled to Los Angeles, including Sean’s family. Each year, IXIM holds a toy drive for children with the help of the local fire department.

“Whenever I come back from these events, I gain two things, a joy from having seen all the kids happy with their toys and a greater respect for the things that I have… Volunteering is a mutually beneficial and kind thing to do. If you have the time to do something for others, and you really like what you are doing then it is worth the time and effort you put into making these events happen.”

5) Rahul Goyal

Rahul Goyal volunteers at a nonprofit organization called Caring Hand for Children. The organization provides education to those living in underprivileged areas in India. One project is an annual cultural show that is held to raise money for this work. Rahul’s part of the show is a dance whose theme pertains to a particular period of Indian history. Last year, the event raised $150,000 to help over 1,600 children.

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Thanks for this post. Volunteerism really uplifts self-worth to both parties involved (volunteer and the beneficiary). Good job to all volunteers around the world…go.. go volunteers.. the world needs you!!!